Massachusetts is the only state that still has blasphemy laws on the books. What happened to freedom of speech? Why should religion be accorded this unique protection that no other entities have? Why is religion so insecure that it can't be questioned or made fun of?
"Among the more irritating consequences of our flagrantly religious society is the special dispensation that mainstream religions receive. We all may talk about religion as a powerful social force, but unlike other similarly powerful institutions, religion is not to be questioned, criticized or mocked."
— Natalie Angier
Blasphemy is mentioned in the bible in at least two places: In the third book of the OT, Leviticus 24:16 states that those who speak blasphemy "shall surely be put to death".
And Mark 3:29 "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy
2007-06-28 08:03:03 · 12 answers · asked by HawaiianBrian 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Blasphemy is the defamation of the name of one or more gods In a broader sense, blasphemy is irreverence toward something considered by some sacred or inviolable. Many cultures disapprove of speech or writing which defames the god or gods of their established religions, and these restrictions have the force of law in some countries.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy
This is why Blasphemy is illegal.
The General Laws of Massachusett
PART IV. CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES TITLE I. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
CHAPTER 272. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER Chapter 272: Section 36. Blasphemy
Section 36. Whoever wilfully blasphemes the holy name of God by denying, cursing or contumeliously reproaching God, his creation, government or final judging of the world, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching or exposing to contempt and ridicule, the holy word of God contained in the holy scriptures shall be punished by imprisonment in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars, and may also be bound to good behavior.
http://mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/272-36.htm
Have not heard of that Law being applied lately. It should be
removed . Blasphemy is mostly of the spiritual, while sedition is of the physical realm. Both mean practically the same thing. The Romans killed Jesus for sedition. The high priests wanted Jesus killed for blasphemy. Blasphemy or sedition
,the outcome was the same.
The Bible John 10: 32 - 37
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou,
being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, he said, You are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Have a pleasant day.
2007-06-28 09:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can't blasphemy against or towards something that is false or not proven: religious beliefs...
the only True blasphemy, is when people in religion's speak of their religious beliefs...
religion is Spiritual fraud;
Universal Truth eliminated religion from Spirituality a long time ago...
Here's the Solution for religion:
Create a Private, Personal, Direct, Divine Relationship with Our Creator and save Your Soul from religion's and atheist's beliefs and start Your journey back home, to Heaven.
<<<<<<< UnConditional Love is the only answer >>>>>>>
Love and Believe in Our Creator;
Love and Believe in Yourself.
Only with Our Creator's Love and Peace will we be Truly Free!
2007-06-28 08:15:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's also illegal in certain places to have a horse in a bathtub. Neither of those laws are enforced. It's an old remnant that, unfortunately, hasn't been removed.
It'd be nice if, every once in a while, they did a review of the law books, but nobody seems interested in that.
2007-06-28 08:41:19 · answer #3 · answered by ArcadianStormcrow 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
States have lots of silly laws on the books and it's just a hassle to get them removed. No one wants to do it. You'll be pleased to know however that the one you mentioned is NOT enforced, nor of course is it enforceable.
As for why religions appear so insecure, it's because their entire world-views are based on belief, faith and supposition instead of evidence, fact or reason.
2007-06-28 08:06:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To be trustworthy i accept as true with one element you pronounced that's Blasphemy it won't be unlawful. in spite of the incontrovertible fact that from communists u . s . a .'s to non-communists frequently have faith that via insulting a prophet you're insulting a faith am a proud Muslim and do on no account insult different religious figures in any faith i disapprove of any faith or religious parent being insulted and in case you have no longer observed Muslim's love Jesus and on no account insult him they only have diverse perspectives even in spite of the incontrovertible fact that the folk who joyfully insult Jesus is unbelievably Christians interior the media look at kinfolk guy and different comparable exhibits video clips who belittle him so do no longer grow to be that in the time of which you hate bear in mind the media is a plague for the thoughts and that i help that jesus should not be insulted
2016-10-19 02:44:56 · answer #5 · answered by dawber 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, but it's one of those on the book laws. I mean, when is the last time somebody was actually prosecuted for it? Let's not look for problems that don't exist.
If you feel that strongly about it, write to your congressman or governor- better yet, run for office and have it removed.
2007-06-28 08:07:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fun Fact:
Massachusetts, after the Revolution, almost ceceded from the union. They wanted to bring back the Protestant Theocracy of the days of Salem.
The more you know.
2007-06-28 08:06:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of crazy laws still on the books, but not enforced.
2007-06-28 08:05:43 · answer #8 · answered by Drake the Deist 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go to Massachusetts and ask a lawyer or judge.
2007-06-28 08:06:46 · answer #9 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The other question is this ... does anyone enforce this archaic law?
2007-06-28 08:07:39 · answer #10 · answered by leysarob 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋